Here's a bit of encouragement for those of you who think it will never get better. I'm 76 years old and 12 weeks post op. for L. TKR. After constant pain, sleepless nights, frustration, cursing the day I agreed to the op. etc. etc. now each day seems to bring new hurdles surmounted. Have finished 6 weeks physio (quite enjoyed it and achieved 126 bend) and am now exercising in the local pool - can't manage the ladders into the main pool yet so use the warmer leisure pool and spas; have seen my consultant and he seems happy with the x-rays. Decided to risk wearing 'heels' (3" today with a 15 minute walk to church for a memorial service and my knee was fine BUT my feet were killing me!!! I've been in slippers/sandals/walking shoes/trainers since the op. and was'nt used to my feet being so constricted. Sooo, if you are tempted to try heels, suggest you make it a short time and carry some 'flatties' or book a 'piggy back' home from a close friend. Hang in TKR buddies and keep up the exercises. ps Am now booked in for my R. TKR and waiting for a date but not in any hurry.
Six weeks and Tweve weeks seem to be magic! i remember it well . . After cursing and damning the decision to have the TKR, after twelve weeks i suddenly started to find that I could walk without pain, the bend improved dramatically, and I almost felt young again! Unfortunately, it only lasted about six weeks, and then ankle pain hit me! this time, sadly, not curable so my walking days are over. But at least I have a good knee!
Margaret. I love to see these positive posts! Even though I have seen some improvement at almost 8 wks post L TKR, I still get frustrated and discouraged by the"seems like forever" of this recovery!
I know I will have to have my right knee done, but that is far away as I am concerned!
As for the heels, I never was able to manage anything higher than 2 inches! lol
Good for you though!!
Hi - your ankle will have gone through a lot of strain whilst your knee was healing so you can't blame it for 'kicking off', pardon the pun. Hopefully it will settle down with rest and gentle exercise. I find Glucosamine Gel massaged in works well for me. Available from Holland and Barratt or on line.
God bless.
I wish that were so, but unfortuntely it's a condition called osteochondritis . . It is basically dead bone, caused by lack of blood supply to the bone. this has actually caused a hole in both ankle bones, Exercise is actually totally banned. . no walking except what is strictly necessary, always with both crutches, as much rest as possible, and hope for the best. Prognosis at my age, not good at all!
thank you Margaret for this hope! I am 3 weeks behind you and feel liyouths pain will never stop. Amy
Deb, I think u and I are neck and neck post L TKR and I am still miserable. Having a manual manipulation under anesthesia on tuesday
amy
I'm sure it will, Amy. In my case it just seemed that someone flicked a switch at 9 weeks and progress leapt forward. Blessings stick with it. 🙏
So sorry to hear that - what a horrible, painful condition.
Bless you.
Amy, what is a manual manipulation? I have seen other posts talking about MUA, is that what it means?
It doesn't sound pleasant, but at least you'll have anesthesia. Is it a local so you're awake or will you be under?
I am not-so-patiently waiting for the light switch!☺
You obviously haven't lost your sense of humour, debz, and that is such a great help even if you are howling inside.
Light a candle meanwhile ( a battery one of course - 'elf and safety)!
hi deb
about 7-10% of people have one if they have poor range of motion after TKR. They don't always put u to sleep, I have heard some talk about a nerve block but I would b horrified to watch the manipulation! So they crack your leg to 140 degrees then take a pic for u so u know u can do it and then they bend it all the way straight to 0 degrees. Currently my measurements r 85/17. They do it for people under 90 degrees ROM and generally in the first 3-6 months, the earlier the better in terms of results. It is an in and out procedure and u go straight to PT afterwards and then u come home and put a continuous passive motion machine on ur leg which bends and straightens it for u for 3-4 hrs at a time. Some drs recc a brace instead but I will have CPM. I am also spending the night instead of going home bc I have had really poor pain control and doc wants that controlled by IV for first day. Then u go to PT 5x/wk for 2 wks then 4 etc.
Whoa! I am glad I have been able to get past 90 degree bend! Only to 101 with PT pushing it, and it hurts like, well, you know!
Good luck with your procedure Amy! I hope it gets your knee where it needs to be at this stage.
Have to maintain the humor! Only way to get through sometimes.
🔥🔦🎂🚏
(Closest I could come to candles)
Well done, you, so nice to hear the success stories as well as the not as succeful stories, Mind yor ankles, it will be soon enough before it is you giveing someone a piggy back (if only a mental one)
Hi Margaret 58307
Wow so glad you posted your current rehab stage. Surprised you say you (enjoyed) the Physio, as most of us on thus forum are finding it brutally painful and demoralising. But delighted your having a better experience and that your bend is good and your enjoying the pool.
I look forward to getting in my my regular pool in the coming weeks. I'm only 5 wks PO with L TKR and feel that I am not progressing with the bend. Can't bend any more than I could 2 weeks ago. The band of stiffness is unbearable snd won't seem to ease up. But continued recovery to you.
Margaret, I feel ur pain with the end to getting better. They say there is some magic that will happen and the stiffness will go away at some point. Hang in there!
amy
I meant to say with the bend not getting better
That sounds horrific, poor you.
thank you everyone for sharing good wishes, encouragement and your sense of humour.